System for multimedia viewing based on entitlements

ABSTRACT

An advertising control method is described. The method includes receiving an advertisement identification message (AIM) at a first mobile device, sending the AIM from the first mobile device to a content display unit (CDU) and storing the AIM in the CDU, selecting at least one content item from among a plurality of content items based, at least in part, on at least one stored AIM, the stoned AIM being stored in the CDU, and displaying the selected content item on the CDU. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 60/411,653 filed 18 Sep. 2002, and from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application 60/441,943 filed 23 Jan. 2003, the disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to delivery of digital content, and moreparticularly to systems for controlling the delivery of digital content.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

PCT Published Patent Application WO 01/52541 of NDS Limited describes asystem for providing advertisements in an end-user controlled playbackenvironment.

Digital IDs are well known in the art—see for instance abstract ofpresentation, Identity of Electronic Devices, Tom Willis, available onthe World Wide Web at www.digitalidworld.com/print.php?sid=96.

Ubiquitous computing is well known in the art Ubiquitous computing is amovement to turn away from direct interaction with computers inday-to-day life and instead to interact with everyday appliances anddevices. Everyday appliances and devices retain their narrow range offunction, but have now been endowed with computing power to deal withinformation based tasks. See for example: Frank Stano, Security forUbiquitous Computing, John Wiley & Sons. 2002, especially pp. 88-105.

Bluetooth, WiFi, infrared and other wireless communication methods arewell known in the art and are commercially available.

Transport Layer Security (“TLS”, a standardized version of the SSLprotocol used on the Internet for secure communications), is describedin RFC2246, The TLS Protocol, Version 1.0, and may be found on the WorldWide Web at www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2246.txt.

Advertising is a widespread model for businesses to provide informationabout products to people. The value to the advertiser comes from theproducts purchased and payment for the advertisements is typically onthe basis of the number of viewers. The advertiser therefore wants totarget advertisements at viewers who have demonstrated that they aremore likely to be interested in the products, thereby converting theminimum number of viewers paid for to the maximum number of productspurchased. This, for instance, is what lead to the development of the“soap opera”—programming whose content was deliberately designed toappeal to the potential customers for detergent soaps.

Many products have addressed methods of improving advertisementtargeting by profiling the potential audience, both in publicmulti-media displays and in the context of Personal Video Recorders(PVRs). In public locations, the methods typically assume that a userhas specified a profile which is carried around on a mobile devices suchas a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or mobile phone and anadvertisement display system collects the profiles of those in the areain order to decide which advertisement to display. In the PVR context,the methods are an extension of the conventional TV model, in which theadvertisements displayed are a function of the content viewed.

TiVo now offers TiVo direct, an interactive program that allowsadvertising content to be delivered to users via their TiVo device. TiVodirect is described in an article found on the Internet at:www.wired.com/news/print/0,1294,38754,00.html.

A paper published in the International Cultural Heritage InformaticsMeeting, Politecnico di Milano and Archives Et Museum Informatics, 2001,vol. 1, pps. 437-454 describes an electronic guidebook prototype, andreports on a study of the use of the electronic guidebook in a historichouse.

A system of electronic billboards tailoring advertising to passingmotorists based on the radio station the motorists are listening towhile driving by the billboard is described on the World Wide Web atabcnews.go.com/sections/business/TechTV/techtv_advertising_(—)021227.htmland in a New York Times article available atwww.nytimes.com/2002/12/27/business/media/27ADCO.html and in publicrelations material at the web site of a company offering such a service,at: www.coolsign.com/company/pr_(—)020903.htm.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) first appeared in tracking andaccess applications during the 1980s. These wireless automaticidentification and data collection systems allow for non-contact readingand are effective in manufacturing and other hostile environments wherebar code labels could not survive. RFID has established itself in a widerange of markets including livestock identification and automatedvehicle identification (AVI) systems because of its ability to trackmoving objects. RFID technology is described in greater detail on theWorld Wide Web (WWW) at www.aimglobal.org/technologies/rfid.

A system of selling products with tiny computer chips containing datasuch as the serial number of the product is described on the World WideWeb at www.usatoday.com/tech/new/techinnovations/2003-01-27-rfid_x.htm.A scanner can read the chips and then send the data to a database sothat stores and manufacturers can quickly track what is sold.

UK Patent 2326004, and corresponding U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/089,717 of Bauminger et al, describe a viewer response method for usewith an interactive telecommunications system, the method comprisingaccumulating a user interaction history of a user of the system, theuser interaction history comprising user interaction informationassociated with a plurality of user interaction events; and providinguser-sensible feedback, based at least in part on the user interactionhistory, wherein the interactive telecommunications system comprises atelevision system, and the user interaction history comprises a viewinghistory comprising viewing information associated with a plurality ofviewing events, said plurality of viewing events comprising the viewerviewing at least two distinct television broadcast items, and said atleast two distinct television broadcast items comprise at least twodistinct television broadcast items selected, according to at least onepredetermined criterion, from a plurality of television broadcast itemsbroadcast via the interactive telecommunications system.

In addition, the following U.S. patents and patent applications arebelieved to reflect the state of the art:

-   -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,456,234 to Johnson;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,708,478 to Tognazzin;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,753 to Tracy et al;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,496,776 to Blumberg et al;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,757 to Tracy et al;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,448,979 to Schena et al;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,032 to Jamison et al;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,864,125 to Szabó;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,803 to Cragun et al;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,473,781 to Skagerwall et al;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,277 to Cragun et al;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,205,396 to Teicher et at;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,169,498 to King et al;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,369 to Yokazawa et al;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,490,432 to Wegener et al;    -   2002/0139839 of Catan;    -   2002/0139859 of Catan;    -   2002/0143860 of Catan;    -   2002/0133817 of Markel;    -   2002/0013144 of Waters et al;    -   2002/0008626 of Waters et al;    -   2002/0156677 of Peters et al;    -   2002/0138433 of Black et al;    -   2002/0111154 of Eldering et al;    -   2002/0160758 of Pradhan et al;    -   2002/0160759 of Pradhan et al;    -   2002/0160793 of Pradhan et al;    -   2002/0152117 of Cristofalo et al;    -   2002/0147642 of Avallone et al;    -   2002/0077905 of Arndt et al;    -   2002/0161633 of Jacob et al;    -   2002/0164999 of Johnson;    -   2002/0164977 of Link et al;    -   2002/0166119 of Cristofalo;    -   2002/0166127 of Hamano et al;    -   2002/0083445 of Flickinger et al;    -   2002/0102993 of Hendry at al;    -   2002/0160762 of Nave et al; and    -   2002/0166120 of Boylan et al.

The disclosures of all references mentioned above and throughout thepresent specification, as well as the disclosures of all referencesmentioned in those references, are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide an improved method of deliveringdigital content.

The present invention, in preferred embodiments thereof, provides amethod for a person using a personal device, such as a PDA or mobilephone, to collect advertisement-viewing “points” in a passive manner,and for an advertisement displaying mechanism to “spend” those points toselect the most appropriate advertisements. The present invention, inpreferred embodiments thereof, establishes a relationship betweenactions that grant points and those that provide the advertising serviceand deduct points. For example, and without limiting the generality ofthe foregoing, points might be granted with the purchase of particularobjects, or when inquiries about services are made. The relationshippreferably includes controlling the amount of points granted,categorization of points such that points of one category are used toview advertisements of specific products corresponding to that category,and logging and/or charging of the advertisements that were viewedagainst the points that were collected.

In certain preferred embodiments, the present invention is especiallybut not uniquely adapted for use at home. The home differs from publiclocations because it is possible to associate individuals with theirhome and to specify special behavior related to the home environmentsuch as the transfer of points accumulated to the home system, fordetermination of which advertisements to playout when no personal deviceis present. It is also possible to define a “guest”, someone who is notpermanently associated with the home but who is currently present in thehome. Furthermore, advertisement display behavior may be adjusted basedboth on: points of home residents present or whose points have beentransferred; and on points of guests present In certain preferredembodiments of the present invention, points of guests may be treateddifferently from points of home residents.

In an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention, anarticle sold to a consumer comprises an embedded entitlement Theentitlement may be active from the time of embedding. Alternatively, theentitlement may be made active at a later time, such as, for example,when the article is purchased. At a given time, either automatically orwith the explicit input from the consumer, the entitlement is used toprovide the consumer with content.

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention an advertising control method receiving anadvertisement identification message (MM) at a first mobile device,sending the AIM from the first mobile device to a content display unit(CDU) and storing the AIM in the CDU, selecting at least one contentitem from among a plurality of content items based, at least in part, onat least one stored AIM, the stored AIM being stored in the CDU, anddisplaying the selected content item on the CDU.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the sending the AIM from the first mobile device to the CDUincludes secure sending.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the content item includes an advertisement.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the content item includes at least one of the following:music; a music video; an interactive game; and video content.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the advertising control method also includes after thedisplaying, marking the at least one AIM stored on the CDU as used.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the advertising control method also includes after thedisplaying, deleting the at least one stored AIM from the CDU.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the advertising control method also includes deleting the atleast one AIM from the first mobile device.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the advertising control method also includes registering thefirst mobile device on the CDU.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the selecting is also based, at least in part, on at least oneAIM received at the CDU from a second mobile device, the second mobiledevice not being registered on the CDU.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the selecting is performed without regard to at least one AIMassociated with a second mobile device, the second mobile device notbeing registered on the CDU.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the advertising control method also includes sending at leastone AIM from the first mobile device registered on the CDU when themobile device is in the proximity of the CDU.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the sending the at least one AIM from the first mobile deviceregistered on the CDU includes secure sending.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the advertising control method also includes querying a userof the mobile device to authorize sending at least one AIM from thefirst mobile device to the CDU, and performing the sending only uponreceipt of a positive answer to the querying.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the sending performed upon receipt of a positive answer to thequerying includes secure sending.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the advertising control method also includes registering thefirst mobile device on a plurality of CDUs.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the registering includes using a public key authenticationscheme.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the advertising control method also includes entering personaluser information during the registering.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the advertising control method also includes encrypting thepersonal user information.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the advertising control method also includes after thereceiving, performing a security check on the AIM.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the security check includes verifying a digital signature.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the advertising control method also includes unregistering thefirst mobile device on the CDU.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the advertising control method also includes unregistering thefirst mobile device on at least one of the plurality of CDUs.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the unregistering includes secure unregistering utilizing apublic key authentication scheme.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention a content control method including associatingan entitlement with a content item identifier, embedding the entitlementin an article, sending the entitlement from the article to a contentdisplay unit (CDU), and displaying a content item associated with thecontent item identifier on the CDU.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the sending the entitlement from the article includes securesending.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the displaying includes locating the content item to bedisplayed based, at least in part, on location information included inthe content item identifier.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the locating includes locating the content item to bedisplayed via remote network access.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the remote network access includes World Wide Web (WWW)access.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the entitlement includes content item network locationinformation for determining a location of the content item on the remotenetwork.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the sending includes sending the entitlement to the CDU usinga wireless communication protocol.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the sending includes sending the entitlement to the CDU usinga wired communication protocol.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the sending includes sending the entitlement to the CDU uponreceipt of an instruction from a user.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the sending includes querying the user to authorize transferof the entitlement to the CDU, and sending the entitlement to the CDUonly if the user authorizes the transfer.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the sending from the article also includes verifying that theCDU is able to display the content item associated with the entitlement,and performing the sending only upon receipt of a positive answer to theverifying.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the sending includes verifying that the CDU is able to displaythe content item associated with the entitlement, based on result of theverifying, querying the user to authorize transfer of the entitlement tothe CDU, and performing the sending only upon receipt of a positiveanswer to the querying.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the verifying includes the article polling the CDU.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the verifying includes the CDU polling the article.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the entitlement includes a disabled entitlement.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the content control method also includes sending an enablingmessage to the article, thereby enabling the disabled entitlement.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the sending an enabling message to the article includes securesending.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the sending an enabling message is performed after an enablingaction is performed.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the enabling action includes sending a securely signedmessage.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the message is sent using a wireless communication protocol.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the message is sent using a wired communication protocol.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the entitlement includes an inactive entitlement.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the content control method also includes activating theinactive entitlement.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the activating includes actuating and/or de-actuating anactuator.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the activating includes opening a container.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the activating is triggered by heating a heat sensor.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the heating includes heating the heat sensor with body heat.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the content control method also includes de-activating theentitlement.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the content control method also includes disabling theentitlement after the sending to the CDU.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the content control method also includes not disabling theentitlement after the sending to the CDU.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention altering the entitlement after the sending to the CDU.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the entitlement includes an entitlement value, and thealtering includes reducing the entitlement value.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the content item includes a series of content items, and theentitlement includes an entitlement to at least one member of the seriesof content items.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the displaying includes displaying the content on the CDUexactly once.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the CDU includes a plurality of CDUs and the displayingincludes displaying the content on one of the plurality of CDUs exactlyonce.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the content control method also includes displaying thecontent on the CDU only during a display time period.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the content control method also includes associating thedisplaying of the content on the CDU with a personal domain.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the CDU includes at least one of the following: a domainidentification name; a domain identification number, and a domain key.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the content control method also includes associating theentitlement with the personal domain at the time of the sending.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the content control method also includes aggregating ofentitlements by a first user.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the content control method also includes trading ofentitlements between the first user and a second user.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the content control method also includes selling entitlementsfrom the first user to the second user.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the content control method also includes loaning entitlementsby the first user to the second user.

There is also provided in accordance with still another preferredembodiment of the present invention an object including an entitlementstore storing an entitlement associated with a content item, and acommunication unit operative to receive the entitlement from theentitlement store and send the entitlement to a display unit.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the communication unit is operative to securely send theentitlement to the display unit.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the display unit is external to the object.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the object also includes a content display unit (CDU)operative to receive the entitlement, the CDU including the displayunit.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the object also includes an entitlement enablement receivingunit.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention an advertisement identification message (AIM)distribution terminal including an AIM receiver operative to receive atleast one AIM from an AIM distributing authority, an AIM storage unitfor storing the at least one received AIM, and an AIM dispenseroperative to dispense the at least one AIM to a mobile device operativeto receive AIMs.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention a mobile device including an advertisementidentification message (AIM) receiver for receiving at least one AIMfrom an AIM source external to the mobile device, an AIM storage unitfor storing the at least one received AIM, and an AIM sender for sendingthe at least one stored AIM to a content display unit (CDU) external tothe mobile device.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the AIM sender is operative to securely send the at least onestored AIM to the CDU.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the at least one AIM includes a plurality of AIMs.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the AIM source external to the mobile device includes aplurality of AIM sources external to the mobile device.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention a content display unit (CDU) including anadvertisement identification message (AIM) receiver for receiving atleast one AIM from a mobile device, an AIM storage unit for storing theat least one received AIM, a content item selector for selecting atleast one content item from among a plurality of content items based, atleast in part, on at least one AIM stored in the AIM storage unit, and adisplay for displaying the selected content item.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the plurality of content items is delivered to the CDU in aplurality of data streams including content items.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the plurality of content items is stored on storage mediaincluded in the CDU.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the CDU chooses content items for display based, at least inpart, on received metadata.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the CDU periodically sends an AIM usage report to an AIMdistributing authority.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the AIM usage report includes at least one of the following:at least one AIM received by the CDU; and at least one advertisementpoint used by the CDU.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the CDU periodically reports content item usage to the AIMdistributing authority.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the CDU is activated at the time of purchase.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention a content item selection method includingaccumulating content item display points for each of a plurality ofdisplay point categories, and choosing a content item for display based,at least in part, on a comparison between a point total for one of thedisplay point categories and a category associated with the contentitem.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the accumulating includes receiving at least one advertisementidentification message (AIM) including content item display pointsassociated with a display point category, and storing the content itemdisplay points included in the AIM in accordance with the display pointcategory.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the receiving includes distinguishing between AIMs receivedfrom a sender who is registered and AIMs received from a sender who isnot registered.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the receiving also includes ignoring the AIMs received fromthe sender who is not registered.

There is also provided in accordance with still another preferredembodiment a content identification message including a quantity ofpoints redeemable for content, and metadata including a content categoryidentifier identifying a category to which the content belongs, and atleast one of the following: a distributing entity identifier identifyingan entity which distributed the content identification message; a timestamp identifying a time when the content identification message wasdistributed, a basis for distribution identifier identifying a basis fordistributing the content identification message; and alocation-of-distribution identifier identifying the location of theentity which distributed the content identification message.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the content includes an advertisement.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the content includes at least one of the following: music; amusic video; an interactive game; and video content.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention an advertising control system including anadvertisement identification message (AIM) receiver included in a firstmobile device, the AIM receiver receiving an AIM, an AIM sender includedin the first mobile device, the AIM sender sending the AIM to a contentdisplay unit (CDU), an AIM storage unit included in the CDU, the AIMstorage unit being operative to store the AIM received from the firstmobile device, a content item selector included in the CDU, the contentitem selector being operative to select at least one content item fromamong a plurality of content items based, at least in par; on at leastone stored AIM, the stored AIM being stored in the CDU, and a displayincluded in the CDU, the display being operative to display the selectedcontent item.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention an apparatus for content control including anentitlement associating unit associating an entitlement with a contentitem identifier, an entitlement embedding unit embedding the entitlementin an article, an entitlement sender sending the entitlement from thearticle to a content display unit (CDU), and a display operative todisplay the content item associated with the content item identifier onthe CDU.

There is also provided in accordance with still another preferredembodiment of the present invention a content distribution methodincluding storing an entitlement associated with a content item in anentitlement store, receiving the entitlement from the entitlement storeat a communication unit, and sending the entitlement from thecommunication unit to a display unit.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention an advertisement identification message (AIM)distribution method including receiving at least one AIM from an AIMdistributing authority, storing the at least one received AIM, anddispensing the at least one AIM to a mobile device operative to receiveAIMs.

There is also provided in accordance with still another preferredembodiment of the present invention an advertisement identificationmessage (AIMS distribution method including receiving at least one AIMfrom an AIM source external to a mobile device, storing the at least onereceived AIM, and sending the at least one stored AIM to a contentdisplay unit (CDU) external to the mobile device.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention a content display method including receiving atleast one advertisement identification message (AIM from a mobiledevice, storing the at least one received AIM, selecting at least onecontent item from among a plurality of content items based, at least inpart, on at least one stored AIM, and displaying the selected contentitem.

There is also provided in accordance with still another preferredembodiment of the present invention an apparatus for content itemselection including a store for accumulating content item display pointsfor each of a plurality of display point categories, and a content itemselection unit operative to choose a content item for display based, atleast in part, on a comparison between a point total for one of thedisplay point categories and a category associated with the contentitem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully fromthe following detailed description, taken in conjunction with thedrawings in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are simplified pictorial illustrations of an AdvertisementIdentification Message (AIM) distribution and usage system constructedand operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a simplified illustration of a table of advertisement pointscomprised in AIMs as stored in the memory of a Content Displaying Unit(CDU), useful for understanding the system of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a generalized block diagram illustration of a preferredimplementation of the system of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is a generalized block diagram illustration of a preferredimplementation of a mobile device in the system of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 6 is a generalized block diagram illustration of a preferredimplementation of a CDU in the system of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 7 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method ofoperation of the system of FIGS. 1 and 2, for transferring AIMs from amobile device to a CDU;

FIG. 8 is a generalized block diagram illustration of a preferredimplementation of an AIM distribution terminal;

FIG. 9 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method ofoperation of the CDU of FIG. 6 when located in a home;

FIG. 10 is a generalized block diagram illustration showing preferredcriteria used for determining which advertisements are displayed on aCDU;

FIG. 11 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method ofoperation of the CDU of FIG. 6 when not located in a home;

FIG. 12 is a generalized block diagram illustration of a preferredimplementation of an AIM;

FIG. 13 is a generalized block diagram illustration of a preferredimplementation of an advertisement;

FIG. 14 is a simplified partly pictorial, partly block illustration of amodel for effective use of the system of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are simplified pictorial illustrations of a contentdelivery system constructed and operative in accordance with analternative preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 17 is a generalized flowchart illustration of a preferred method ofoperation of the system of FIGS. 15 and 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 and 2, which are simplified pictorialillustrations of an Advertisement Identification Message (MM)distribution and usage system constructed and operative in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the system ofFIGS. 1 and 2 content is delivered to consumers. Throughout the presentspecification and claims, the terms “content” and “advertisement” areused interchangeably. Without limiting the generality of the presentinvention, it is appreciated that many appropriate types of content,other than advertisements, may be delivered to consumers. Somenon-limiting examples of such content include, for example: music andmusic videos; interactive games; and video content, such as short clipsor cartoons.

More specifically, FIG. 1 is a pictorial illustration depicting people“out and about” in the world, acquiring AIMs on mobile devices. AIMs areanalogous to currency in certain preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, and can be exchanged at a later time for viewing targetedadvertisements. In addition, as explained below, in preferredembodiments of the present invention there are preferably a plurality ofdifferent types of AIMs. As will be explained in more detail below withreference to FIG. 10, the choice of advertisement displayed on a ContentDisplaying Unit (CDU) depends, at least in part, on the types of AIMsaccrued.

FIG. 1 shows examples of typical situations in which a person wouldacquire at least one AIM. FIG. 2 is the continuation of the “story”illustrated in FIG. 1, and shows examples of typical situations in thehome after the persons shown in FIG. 1 return home, having acquired theat least one AIM. It is appreciated that all of the situationsillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 are examples only and are not meant tolimit the generality of the present invention.

Referring specifically to FIG. 1, a woman 100 looks in the window of aclothing shop 103. The woman's mobile phone 105 acquires at least oneAIM 107 from the shop 103. A preferred method of AIM acquisition isdescribed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 7.

In FIG. 1, AIMs are symbolically represented as different shapes, inorder to indicate different types of AIMs. For example, and withoutlimiting the generality of the foregoing, different types of AIMs may beused for: different products; or for the same product sold by differentstores or different chains of stores, as explained below with referenceto FIGS. 12 and 14. For example, in the mobile phone 105, the AIMs 107comprise: two rectangular AIMs; one pentagonal AIM; and one hexagonalAIM. In PDA 125 the AIMs 127 comprise: two star AIMS; one triangularAIM; two rectangular AIMS; and one pentagonal AIM. It is appreciatedthat the numbers and different types of AIMS in the mobile devicesillustrated in FIG. 1 are given by way of example only, and are notmeant to limit the generality of the present invention. It is furtherappreciated that a plurality of advertisement points may be comprised ina given AIM, as explained below with reference to FIG. 12. In theexample illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, each AIM has the value of oneadvertisement point.

A man 120 shops for groceries while his PDA 125 acquires at least oneAIM 127 from the store 123. A woman 140 at an airport 143 acquires atleast one AIM 147 while carrying her mobile phone 145. A man 160 leavesa car wash 163, where his PDA 165 has acquired at least one AIM 167.

Reference is now made specifically to FIG. 2, which is a simplifiedpictorial illustration of people at home transferring at least one AIMto a CDU, showing both registered users and guests.

FIG. 2 shows some of the individuals depicted in FIG. 1 after theyreturn home. In the first panel of FIG. 2, no people are yet in theroom. A television 200 is in the room A set-top box, PVR or otherappropriate device, comprising a CDU 220, is operatively connected tothe television 200 (connection not shown). The CDU 220 preferably storesin memory a table of AIMS 210. The table 210 preferably comprises amatrix of users and AIMs. In addition, a total number of AIMS of eachtype accrued is preferably computable by the CDU as needed.

In the second panel of FIG. 2, Philip 160 is sitting on a couch. Philiphas placed his PDA 165 on the table in the room. As is known in the artof wireless protocols, the CDU 220 and the PDA 165 begin a process ofpolling until each device detects the other. For example, and withoutlimiting the generality of the foregoing, typical wireless communicationprotocols include WiFi and Bluetooth. Once wireless communication isestablished, the PDA 165, using any appropriate wireless communicationprotocol, preferably transfers at least one accumulated AIM 167 to theCDU 220. All wireless communication described herein is preferablyestablished between devices by a process of polling, as described above.For the sake of brevity, and as the polling process is not directly ofinterest to the present invention, further descriptions of wirelesscommunication will omit the stage wherein communication is established.

It is appreciated that in some preferred embodiments wired communicationmay be used for transferring at least one accumulated AIM 167 to the CDU220. It is further appreciated that wherever in the presentspecification wireless communication is mentioned, wired communicationmay alternatively be used, as is known in the art.

In an alternative preferred embodiment the CDU 220 presents a query tothe Philip 160, requiring Philip 160 to explicitly authorize transfer ofthe at least one accumulated AIM 167 from the mobile device mobiledevice to the CDU 220. The at least one accumulated AIM 167 ispreferably transferred to the CDU 220 only upon receipt to a positiveanswer to the querying.

The table of AIMs 210 in CDU memory is preferably updated to reflect theaddition of the at least one AIM 167. Once the at least one AIM 167 istransferred, no AIMs remain in the PDA 165. As described above, AIMs areanalogous to currency; specifically, once an AIM is transferred, it isas though the AIM has been “spent”, and the AIM is no longer availablein the PDA 165 for use.

Arrows such as those associated with reference numeral 235 are used inFIG. 2 to indicate that the CDU is “aware” that a registered user ispresent in the room. In the second panel of FIG. 2, an arrow 235indicates that registered user Philip is present It is appreciated thatthe CDU is “aware” of Philip's presence when the CDU and the Philip'sPDA 165 detect one another through the polling process described above.

In the third panel of FIG. 2, Dina 100 is now present in the room Dinais holding her mobile phone 105. The mobile phone 105, using anyappropriate wireless communication protocol, preferably transfers atleast one accumulated AIM 107 to the CDU 220. The table of AIMs 210 inCDU memory is updated to reflect the addition of at least one AIM 107.Arrows 235 indicate that registered users Phillip and Dina are presentin the room. Once the at least one AIM 107 is transferred, no AIMsremain in the mobile phone 105.

In the fourth panel of FIG. 2, Tom 120, a guest, enters the room. Tom120 is holding a PDA 125. The PDA 125, using any appropriate wirelesscommunication protocol, attempts to transfer at least one accumulatedAIM 127 to the CDU 220. Since Tom 120 is a guest, Tom is not listed as aregistered user in the table of AIMs 210 in CDU memory. Although, aswill be explained below, the AIMs Tom's PDA 125 are preferably takeninto account when determining which advertisement to display, the tableof AIMs 250 is preferably not updated to reflect the addition of the atleast one AIM 127. Because Tom is a guest, the at least one AIM on Tom'sPDA 125 is preferably not transferred to the GDU 220, and the at leastone AIM 127 remains in the PDA 125.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a simplified illustration of atable of advertisement points comprised in AIMs 250 as stored in thememory of a CDU, useful for understanding the system of FIGS. 1 and 2.In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, each AIM has a value of oneadvertisement point. The table 250 comprises a matrix of users 310 andtypes of points comprised in AIMs 320. A cumulative entry 330,representing total points accumulated per type of AIM per user, is madein an appropriate row and column of the table 250 for each advertisementpoint stored. As advertisement points are used up as described below,the cumulative entry 330 is preferably decremented appropriately asdescribed below with respect to FIG. 10. In some preferred embodimentsAIM usage is periodically reported to a central authority. In suchembodiments, the CDU also tracks cumulative totals of used AIMS, so thatthe cumulative totals may be reported to the central authority.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a generalized block diagramillustration of a preferred implementation of the system of FIGS. 1 and2. In the system of FIG. 4, an AIM distributing authority 410 sends atleast one AIM 420 to an AIM distribution terminal 430. The AIMdistribution terminal 430 distributes the at least one AIM 420 to mobiledevices 440 registered on a home CDU 460 and mobile devices 450 whichare not registered on the home CDU 460. Either or both of the registeredmobile device 440 and non-registered mobile device 450 send at least oneAIM 420 to the CDU 460. The CDU 460 plays out, at an appropriate time,an advertisement.

It is appreciated that various subcombinations of the elements of FIG. 4may each also comprise an alternative preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. For example, each of the following may comprise analternative preferred embodiment of the present invention:

-   -   the AIM distribution terminal 430;    -   the mobile device 440;    -   the CDU 460;    -   the AM distribution terminal 430 in combination with the mobile        device 440; and    -   the mobile device 440 in combination with the CDU 460.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a generalized block diagramillustration of a preferred implementation of a mobile device in thesystem of FIGS. 1 and 2. The mobile device 500 is preferably implementedin any appropriate combination of hardware and software. The genericmobile device 500 of FIG. 5 corresponds to any of the various mobiledevices illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 such as mobile phones 105 and 145and PDAs 125 and 165. Conventional components of mobile phones, PDAs andsimilar devices are not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity ofdepiction.

The mobile device 500 preferably comprises an AIM receiver 520, an AIMstorage unit 530 and an AIM sender 540. The mobile device 500, via anyappropriate wireless protocol, preferably receives at least one AIM (notshown in FIG. 5) from an AIM source 510. The at least one AIM ispreferably received at the AIM receiver 520. The AIM receiver 520preferably transfers the at least one AIM to the AIM storage unit 530.The at least one AIM is stored in the AIM storage unit 530. If themobile device is in proximity of a CDU 600 upon which the mobile deviceis registered, the AIM storage unit 530 transfers the at least one AIMto the AIM sender 540. Alternatively, if the mobile device is inproximity of a CDU 600 upon which the mobile device is not registered,the AIM storage unit 530 transfers the at least one AIM to the AIMsender 540 only if the AIM is to be used by the CDU. The AIM sender 540,using any appropriate wireless protocol transfers the at least one AIMto the CDU 600.

Transfer of AIMs, whether from the AIM source 510 to the AIM receiver520, or from the AIM sender 540 to the CDU 600 preferably comprisessecure transfer. For example, and without limiting the generality of theforegoing, the AIM is RSA signed using a private key provided in adevice certificate. Security information added to the AIM is referred toin the present specification as a “security wrapper”. The securitywrapper may preferably be provided by the advertisement aggregator or,alternatively, by the AIM distribution terminal.

The mobile device 500 may preferably be registered with the CDU 600 inthe home. Registration links the mobile device 500 to the CDU 600 in apermanent or semi-permanent way, but is preferably revocable through an“unregistration” process canceling the original registration.Preferably, two different types of registration processes, comprising acomplex registration process and a basic registration process, areprovided. The complex registration process preferably establishes aone-to-many relationship between one mobile device 500 and many CDUs600. It is appreciated that a plurality of mobile devices may eachundergo the complex registration process, thereby establishing amany-to-many relationship between the plurality of mobile devices andmany CDUs 600. The basic registration process establishes a one-to-onerelationship between one mobile device 500 and only one CDU 600. Inaddition, several different mobile devices 500 can execute the basicregistration process with one CDU 600.

It is appreciated that more than one registered device may be associatedwith a particular individual. For example, and without limiting thegenerality of the foregoing, Philip 160 (FIG. 2) may have PDA 165 (FIG.2) as well as a mobile phone and a pager (neither of which is shown),both of which are also registered devices.

In the complex registration process, for example, a mobile device 500may preferably be linked to all the CDUs 600 in the home and all theresidents may link their personal devices to the CDUs 600 in the publicareas of the home, whereas only the parents' personal devices are linkedto a TV in the parents' bedroom.

Registration thus preferably comprises listing the mobile device 500 inthe CDU 600, by issuing a unique shared registration number that isstored in both the CDU 600 and the mobile device 500. Preferably, secureidentity exchange between the mobile device 500 and the CDU 600 isperformed based on random challenge using public key authenticationschemes. For example, and without limiting the generality of theforegoing, public key authentication schemes such as X.509, IpSec or SSLmay preferably be used. The registration process may optionally includeentry of personal user information, such as, for example, one or more ofthe following: name; role in household; password; credit card ore-wallet information; and any other appropriate information. Personalinformation is useful for other functions; for example, and withoutlimiting the generality of the foregoing, personal information may beuseful in interactive television applications. The personal informationis preferably guarded by mechanisms to protect privacy, as are wellknown in the art, to ensure that the personal information is notrevealed when the CDU 600 performs functions for which personalinformation is not required.

Registration is preferably initiated when the CDU 600 or mobile device500 detect each other. If the mobile device has never been registeredbefore, the mobile device preferably triggers a message to the usereither on a screen on the mobile device 500, or on a screen associatedwith the CDU 600. Alternatively a user may initiate the registrationprocess through a menu entry available in either the screen on themobile device 500, or on the screen associated with the CDU 600.Registration is preferably user initiated in the complex registrationscheme, described above, when the mobile device is already registeredwith at least one CDU.

In the basic registration process, a mobile device 500 is registered inone and only one CDU 600 at a time. Before the mobile device 500 can beregistered elsewhere, the mobile device preferably revokes initialregistration—for instance, registration might use Frank Stajano'sResurrecting Duckling scheme as described in Security for UbiquitousComputing, referred to above, on pages 88-105. Under this approach, allAIMs may only be loaded into the particular CDU 600 where the mobiledevice 500 is registered. Alternatively, in the basic registrationmethod, loading the AIMs only when they are to be used by the displaydevice can support transitory use.

By contrast to the basic registration process, in the complexregistration process, the mobile device 500 can preferably be registeredin a plurality of CDUs 600. The complex process is preferably similar asthe basic process described above, except that, in the advancedregistration process a mobile device 500 stores many registrationrecords. Because the mobile device 500 may preferably be registered inmany CDUs, in embodiments using the complex registration process, AIMsare preferably not transferred automatically from the mobile device 500to one of a plurality of CDUs. When multiple registrations exist, AIMsare preferably transferred in one or more of the following cases:

-   -   the AIMs have been used, as in the case of a guest, described        with reference to FIG. 7;    -   the user explicitly requests that AIMs be transferred via a menu        or other method; and    -   the user establishes a user profile during registration that        specifies whether AIMs should be transferred, and under which        conditions AIMs should be transferred, and to which CDUs. For        example, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing,        the user profile can specify that AIMs whose category is        associated with personal items may only be transferred to a        particular CDU in the user's bedroom.

It is appreciated that in the preferred embodiment where the mobiledevice 500 may preferably be registered in many CDUs, and nonetheless aparticular mobile device is registered in only one CDU, the particularmobile registered in only one CDU device will only transfer AIMs to thatone CDU.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a generalized block diagramillustration of a preferred implementation of a CDU in the system ofFIGS. 1 and 2. The CDU 600 is preferably implemented in any appropriatecombination of hardware and software. The generic CDU 600 of FIG. 6corresponds to CDU 220, comprised in the set-top box or PVR of FIG. 2.The mobile device 500, using any appropriate wireless protocol,transfers at least one AIM (not shown in FIG. 6) to the CDU 600. The CDU600 preferably comprises an AIM receiver 630, an AIM storage unit 640,and an advertisement selector 650. The at least one AIM is received inthe CDU 600 by the AIM receiver 630. The at least one AIM is transferredby the AIM receiver 630 to the AIM storage unit 640. The at least oneAIM is preferably stored in the AIM storage unit 640. At an appropriatetime, preferably based on a method described below with reference toFIG. 10, the advertisement selector 650 comprised in the CDU selects atleast one advertisement 670 for display. Selection criteria forselecting the at least one advertisement 670 are preferably based, atleast in part, on advertisements 660 stored on storage media comprisedin the CDU, as well as other criteria discussed below with reference toFIG. 10. The selected advertisement 670 is displayed on a CDU displayscreen, and the used AIMs are marked as used on the AIM storage unit640. Advertisement points associated with the used AIMs are also markedas used. Deletion of advertisement points marked as used and AIMS markedas used may occur immediately. Alternatively, deletion of advertisementpoints marked as used and AIMS marked as used may occur only after theadvertisement points marked as used and AIMs marked as used have beenreported, as described below with reference to FIG. 14.

The advertisements 660 stored in the CDU 600 are preferably delivered tothe CDU 600 by an advertisement aggregator 680 in a plurality of datastreams 690 comprising advertisements.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which is a simplified flowchartillustration of a preferred method of operation of the system of FIGS. 1and 2, for transferring AIMs from a mobile device to a CDU. The mobiledevice comes into communication proximity of a CDU (step 710). It isappreciated that communication proximity depends on the specificwireless protocol implemented, as is well known in the art. The mobiledevice preferably notifies the CDU of its identity through anyappropriate secure protocol (step 720). It is appreciated that a secureprotocol is used in order to prevent tampering with the system; use of asecure protocol is therefore strongly preferred For example, and withoutlimiting the generality of the foregoing, in the absence of a secureprotocol, it is easier to tamper with the system and inject counterfeitAIMs to a CDU, in order to bias which advertisements are played out;such tampering would be undesirable.

The CDU preferably determines if the mobile device is registered or not(step 730) by comparing the identity stored in the mobile device(described above with reference to FIG. 5, in discussing theregistration process) with the list of registered users stored in theCDU (described above with reference to FIG. 3). If the mobile device isregistered with the CDU, the mobile device preferably securely transfersthe AIMs it has accumulated onto the CDU (step 740). Once the AIMs areloaded onto the CDU, the AIMs are deleted from the mobile device (step750).

It is appreciated that the loading of AIMs onto the CDU and the deletingof AIMs from the mobile device in step 750 preferably occurs in severalsteps. For example, and without limiting the generality of theforegoing, AIMs stored on the mobile device are preferably marked aspending deletion upon transfer. The AIMs marked pending deletion arepreferably deleted after a timeout, unless a resend request is receivedfrom the CDU. Alternatively, the AIMs marked as pending deletion arepreferably deleted from the mobile device when confirmation of receiptis received from the CDU. In theory, it may even occur that deleting ofAIMs from the mobile device may happen before the AIMs are finishedloading on the CDU.

Throughout the present specification and claims, the term “push”, in allof its grammatical forms refers to push technology, a data distributiontechnology in which selected data is automatically delivered into auser's receiving device at prescribed intervals or based on some eventthat occurs.

If the CDU determined that the mobile device is not a registered devicein step 730, or if the mobile device is registered on a plurality ofCDUs, no AIMs are immediately transferred. Rather, the mobile device,using an appropriate secure protocol, notifies the CDU which A areavailable (step 760). In some preferred implementations of the presentinvention, the user may push AIMs from the not-registered device intothe CDU. For example, and without limiting the generality of theforegoing, the user may wish to spend time watching music videos on aCDU on which his mobile device is not-registered. In such a case, theuser may desire to push his AIMs and use the AIMs to “purchase” themusic videos. When an opportunity to display an advertisement occurs,the CDU preferably determines, based on available AIMs, whichadvertisement to play out, preferably as explained below with referenceto FIG. 10. Based on the choice of advertisement, the CDU preferablyrequests the AIMS needed to play out the advertisement from thenon-registered mobile device (step 770). Using an appropriate securewireless protocol, the mobile device transfers the needed AIMs to theCDU (step 780). The transferred AIMs are preferably deleted from themobile device (step 790).

Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which is a generalized block diagramillustration of a preferred implementation of an AIM distributionterminal 800. The AIM distribution terminal 800 is implemented in anyappropriate combination of hardware and software. The AIM distributionterminal 800 of FIG. 8 corresponds to the source of the AIMs in thevarious scenarios depicted in FIG. 1, preferably being comprised in theshop 103, the store 123, the airport 143 and the car wash 163. Anadvertisement aggregator 810, or some other appropriate AIM distributingauthority, distributes at least one AIM to at least one AIM distributionterminal 800 using an appropriate secure protocol.

The AIM distribution terminal 800 preferably comprises an AIM receiver820 an AIM storage unit 830, and an AIM dispenser 840. The AIM receiver820 is preferably operative to securely receive at least one AIM fromthe advertisement aggregator 810. The at least one AIM received is sentfor secure storage in the AIM storage unit 830. At a time when a mobiledevice 850 is in communication proximity, the AIM dispenser 840, usingan appropriate wireless protocol, securely dispenses at least one AIM tothe mobile device 850. Responsibility for providing the security andpreferred methods for securing AIMS are discussed above with referenceto FIG. 5.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which is a simplified flowchartillustration of a preferred method of operation of the CDU of FIG. 6when located in a home. The AIM distribution terminal receives AIMs(step 910). When the mobile device is within communication proximity ofthe AIM distribution terminal, the AIM distribution terminal transfersAIMs onto the mobile device (step 920). It is appreciated that in somepreferred embodiments, the mobile device may request AIMs from the AIMdistribution terminal, and in alternative preferred embodiments, the AIMdistribution terminal pushes AIMs onto the mobile device. When themobile device is in communication proximity of the home CDU, the mobiledevice and the CDU detect each other (step 925), preferably through thepolling process, described above with reference to FIG. 2. The mobiledevice transfers loaded AIMs to the home CDU (step 930). Oncetransferred to the home CDU, the AIMs are deleted from the mobile device(step 940). In some preferred implementations of the present invention,the user may push AIMs in the not-registered device into the CDU, asexplained above with reference to FIG. 7.

The home CDU waits for an appropriate advertisement playout opportunity(step 950). At an appropriate advertisement play out opportunity, thehome CDU determines which advertisement to display (step 960). The CDUthen plays out advertisements (step 970).

Reference is now made to FIG. 10, which is a generalized block diagramillustration showing preferred criteria used for determining whichadvertisements are displayed on a CDU in step 960 of FIG. 9. At leastone of the following criteria depicted in FIG. 10 preferably have aneffect on which advertisements are displayed on the CDU:

Points loaded in the CDU associated with registered mobile devicespresently in communication proximity with the CDU (1010);

Points not loaded in the CDU associated with registered mobile devicespresently in communication proximity with the CDU (1020);

Points loaded in not-registered mobile devices presently incommunication proximity with the CDU (1030);

Points already loaded in the CDU associated with registered mobiledevices not presently in communication proximity with the CDU (1040);

Metadata defining the advertisement category ID, explained in moredetail below with reference to FIG. 12; and

Advertisements stored in the CDU database.

Reference is now made back to FIG. 3. For example, and without limitingthe generality of the foregoing, at an appropriate time to display anadvertisement, the advertisement selector, shown as 650 in FIG. 6,consults the table of advertisement points comprised in AIMs 250. In theexample table of advertisement points comprised in AIMs 250 there aremore star category advertisement points than advertisement points of anyother category. If both registered users Philip and Dina are present, anadvertisement corresponding to the star category of AIM would bedisplayed. If such an advertisement is not available in the CDUdatabase, the CDU would preferably search for an advertisementcorresponding to the category with the next number of advertisementpoints. Consulting the example table of advertisement points comprisedin AIMs 250, an ad associated with the square category of advertisementpoints would be displayed.

It is appreciated that an advertisement may belong to more than onecategory. For example, and without limiting the generality of theforegoing, an advertisement may cost either 2 star advertisement pointsor 3 square advertisement points.

It is further appreciated that when the registered user has more thanone registered device, as explained above with reference to FIG. 5, thepresence of one device registered to a user links to all the AIMs, andadvertisement points comprised therein, from any device associated withthat user.

However, if only registered user Philip is present, then Dina'sadvertisement points are preferably given lower priority, so that thereare more square category advertisement points than advertisement pointsof any other category. In such a case, an advertisement corresponding tothe square category of AIM is preferably displayed.

When more advertisement points for a given category of advertisementpoints are available than are needed to display an advertisement forthat given category, the following criteria are preferably used todetermine which advertisement points are deleted:

-   -   advertisement points are categorized into three groups:        -   1. advertisement points from currently present, registered            users;        -   2. advertisement points from currently present, transitory            users; and        -   3. advertisement points from not present, registered users.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that any number ofappropriate schemes may be devised to determine which weighting to giveaccording to previously loaded AIMs, presence and absence of registeredusers and guests. For example, and without limiting the generality ofthe foregoing, the CDU is preferably configurable to adopt one of thetwo following schemes for prioritizing from which user to deductadvertisement points:

-   -   I. First deduct advertisement points from currently present,        registered users; then deduct advertisement points from        currently present, transitory users; and lastly deduct        advertisement points from not present, registered users; or    -   II. First deduct advertisement points from currently present,        registered users; then deduct advertisement points from- not        present, registered users and lastly deduct advertisement points        from currently present, transitory users.

Referring back to the final pane of FIG. 2, both registered users Philipand Dina are present, and guest Tom is also present. Taking into accountthe advertisement points available on Tom's mobile device, there aremore star category advertisement points than advertisement points of anyother category. In such a case, an advertisement corresponding to thestar category of advertisement points is preferably displayed.

Reference is now made to FIG. 11, which is a simplified flowchartillustration of a preferred method of operation of the CDU of FIG. 6when not located in a home. An AIM distribution terminal receives AIMs(step 1110). When a mobile device is within communication proximity ofthe AIM distribution terminal, the mobile device gets AIMs from the AIMdistribution terminal (step 1120). A not-at-home CDU waits for anopportunity to play out an advertisement (step 1130). Once the mobiledevice is in communication proximity of the not-at-home CDU, the mobiledevice and the CDU detect each other (step 1155) through the pollingprocess, described above with reference to FIG. 2. When an advertisementplayout opportunity occurs on the not-at-home CDU, the not-at-home CDUdetermines which advertisement to display (step 1150). The mobile devicetransfers the AIM used for playing out the advertisement to thenot-at-home CDU (step 1160). The not-at-home CDU plays out theadvertisement (step 1170).

It is appreciated that steps 1130 and 1155 may occur wheneverappropriate, that is, asynchronously with respect to each other.

Reference is now made to FIG. 12, which is a generalized block diagramillustration of a preferred implementation of an AIM. An AIM preferablycomprises a metadata header 1240. The metadata header 1240 preferablycomprises an advertisement category ID 1210, which ID signifies to whichadvertisement category a given AIM belongs. For example, and withoutlimiting, the generality of the foregoing, an AIM might have category ID0 for Grepsi Cola, category ID 1 for Fats Pizza, or category ID 1000 forPenguin Air Conditioners. The metadata 1240 also preferably comprises anidentifier 1250 of an entity that distributes the AIM and a record 1260of the date and time on which the AIM was distributed to the mobiledevice (date and time is preferably recorded, for example, to allow astatistical analysis of buying patterns). In addition, in some preferredembodiments of the present invention AIM metadata also optionallycomprises any of the following:

-   -   basis for distribution 1265, for example, and without limiting        the generality of the foregoing, comprising a category such as        purchase of item, interaction with sales team, or “walk-by” AIM;    -   location of distribution 1270, for example, and without limiting        the generality of the foregoing, category such as store,        billboard, train station;    -   geographic location of distribution point (not shown); and    -   specific distributor location code (not shown), giving an        identification code for a particular store within a chain of        stores, for example, and without limiting the generality of the        foregoing, the Super Supermarket chain Main St. Anywhere, N.J.        supermarket.

A quantity of points 1220 is also preferably comprised in the AIM. Themetadata 1240 and quantity of points 1220 are preferably enclosed in asecurity wrapper 1230 designed to protect the AIM from tampering. Apreferred implementation of the security wrapper is described above withreference to FIG. 5.

Reference is now made to FIG. 13, which is a generalized block diagramillustration of a preferred implementation of an advertisement Theadvertisement preferably comprises an advertisement payload 1310 andmetadata 1320. The metadata 1320 preferably comprises:

-   -   an advertisement category identifier 1325 identifying to which        advertisement category the advertisement payload 1310 belongs;        and    -   an advertisement cost 1330 specifying a number of advertisement        points which are preferably deducted from the table of        advertisement points comprised in AIMs 250 (FIG. 3), after the        advertisement is displayed on a CDU. A preferred method for        deducting advertisement points from the table of advertisement        points comprised in AIMs is described with reference to FIG. 10.

The advertisement payload 1310 preferably comprises any one orcombination of the following video; audio; interactive data; and otherdata displayed or made available when the ad is played out, as is knownin the art.

Reference is now made to FIG. 14, which is a simplified partlypictorial, partly block illustration of a model for effective use of thesystem of FIGS. 1 and 2. Advertisement aggregators or other comparableAIM distributing authorities preferably sell AIMs to advertisers. Theprice of an AIM may vary depending on a variety of factors. For exampleand without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the price of anAIM may vary depending on any one or combination of the following: theadvertisement aggregator; the product advertised, the company doing theadvertising, the business relationship between the advertisementaggregator and the company doing the advertising; and any otherappropriate factor.

A first advertisement aggregator 1405, or some other comparable AIMdistributing authority, contracts with a first advertiser to provide10,000 AIMs 1410. The 10,000 AIMs 1410, of a category relevant to thefirst advertiser, are denoted in FIG. 14 with a square. A secondadvertisement aggregator 1415, or some other comparable AIM distributingauthority, contracts with a second advertiser to provide 5,000 AIMs1420. The 5,000 AIMs 1420, of a category relevant to the secondadvertiser, are denoted in FIG. 14 with a star. The cost 1430 of the10,000 AIMs to the first advertiser is, for example, $10,000, payable tothe first advertisement aggregator 1405, or other comparable AIMdistributing authority. The cost 1440 of the 5,000 AIMs to the secondadvertiser is, for example, $7,500, payable to the second advertisementaggregator 1415, or other comparable AIM distributing authority. Thesquare and star category AIMs 1410 and 1420 are distributed by the firstadvertisement aggregator 1405 and the second advertisement aggregator1415, or by some other comparable AIM distributing authority, to atleast one AIM distribution terminal 800 using an appropriate secureprotocol.

While two advertisement aggregators comprising the first advertisementaggregator 1405 and the second advertisement aggregator 1415 are shownin FIG. 14, it is appreciated that the first advertisement aggregator1405 and the second advertisement aggregator 1415 may in fact comprise asingle advertisement aggregator. Furthermore, while two advertiserscomprising the first and second advertiser are referred to above in thediscussion of FIG. 14, it is further appreciated that the first andsecond advertiser may in fact comprise a single advertiser. It is alsoappreciated that the square and star category AIMs 1410 and 1420 mayboth comprise points for different advertisements for the same product.For example, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, twodifferent and competing supermarket chains may have differentadvertisements for the same frozen pizza product.

The at least one AIM distribution terminal 800 distributes the squareand star category AIMs 1460 to various mobile devices 1470. When thevarious mobile devices 1470 are in proximity with at least one CDU 1480,AIMs 1460 are transferred to the at least one CDU 1480. At anappropriate time the at least one CDU 1480 plays out advertisements 1490based on received AIMs 1460. Periodically, the at least one CDU 1480will report back 1495 to a clearinghouse, the report preferablycomprising information concerning which AIMs have been used and/or whichadvertisements have been used.

If all advertisements use only one point, and if each act of AIMdistribution gives out one point only, the reporting can be simplified,as the AIM with its secure wrapper is all that need be reported Ifmultiple points are distributed in AIMs or multiple points are used todisplay advertisements, then a report preferably comprises: a totalcount of points used; metadata identify,g the advertisements displayed,and a sub-report of AIMs used. The sub-report preferably comprisescopies of at least one used AIM or excerpts thereof, preferably securelywrapped.

It is appreciated that the clearinghouse may comprise either or both ofthe first advertisement aggregator 1405 and/or the second advertisementaggregator 1415, or may comprise yet a third authority not shown in FIG.14. The clearinghouse preferably relays reports related to the AIMsdispensed by each advertisement aggregator to the appropriateadvertisement aggregator either directly or via said third authority.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 15 and 16, which are simplified pictorialillustrations of a content delivery system, constructed and operative inaccordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. In the first pane of FIG. 15, a user 1510 is seen shoppingfor groceries. The user 1510 takes a box of cereal 1520 off asupermarket shelf. He places the box of cereal 1520 into his grocerycart. The box of cereal 1520 comprises an embedded integrated circuitchip 1530.

In referring to entitlements stored in the embedded chip 1530 and in theclaims, the terms “enabled” and “disabled” are used, in all of theirgrammatical forms, to describe an attribute of the entitlement orentitlements. The term “disabled” is used to refer to an entitlementthat is present, but which entitlement is marked in some way or has someattribute which prevents the entitlement from being used in any way. Asdescribed more fully below, such a disabled entitlement may be enabled,at which time the disabled entitlement becomes an enabled entitlement.

In referring to entitlements stored in the embedded chip 1530 and in theclaims, the terms “active” and “inactive” are used, in all of theirgrammatical forms, to describe an attribute of the entitlement orentitlements, particularly although not necessarily exclusively anattribute of an enabled entitlement. Generally, an enabled entitlementmay, as described more fully below, not yet be ready to be used; such anenabled entitlement is referred to as an “inactive” entitlement Anenabled entitlement that is ready to be used, as described more fullybelow, is referred to as an “active” entitlement.

In one preferred embodiment, while the box of cereal 1520 has not yetbeen purchased, the embedded chip 1530 stores a disabled entitlement forcontent, as will be explained below.

Referring now to the second pane of FIG. 15, when the user 1510 pays forthe box of cereal 1520, an enabling device 1540 preferably enables theembedded chip 1530, preferably by sending a signal, preferably a securesignal, using any appropriate wireless protocol to the chip storing theentitlement The signal preferably enables the entitlement for contentstored in the embedded chip 1535. For the sake of clarity, and in orderto distinguish between different states of the embedded chip, theembedded chip storing a disabled entitlement is associated withreference numeral 1530 and the embedded chip storing an enabledentitlement is associated with reference numeral 1535.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, while the box of cereal 1520 hasnot yet been purchased, the embedded chip 1530 does not yet store anyentitlement for content When the user 1510 pays for the box of cereal1520, an enabling device 1540 preferably enables the embedded chip 1530,by securely sending the entitlement using any appropriate wirelessprotocol to the chip. A further step may be required to activate theentitlement, as explained below.

The entitlement preferably comprises at least: rights granted tocontent; a period that the rights are granted for; and alocation-of-distribution identifier. The location-of-distributionidentifier need not explicitly identify a particular item of content;mapping to a particular item of content may be carried out when theentitlement is used. For example, and without limiting the generality ofthe foregoing, the location-of-distribution identifier may grant rightsto view one episode of a series of cartoons, without specifying whichparticular cartoon may be viewed The particular-cartoon, and hence thelocation of the particular cartoon, may be specified at a later time.

Referring now to the third pane of FIG. 15, once the user 1510 returnsto his home, he brings the cereal box 1520 into proximity of a playoutdevice 1550, thereby activating the enabled entitlement. The embeddedchip 1535 and the playout device 1550 detect each other through apolling process, as described above. A location-of-distributionidentifier, such as a URL, universal content identifier or otherappropriate universal method of identifying and locating the content ispreferably comprised in the entitlement stored in the embedded chip1535. The entitlement is preferably transferred to the playout device1550. At the time the entitlement is transferred to the playout device1550, the entitlement may be deleted from the embedded chip 1535.Alternatively, when the entitlement is transferred to the playout device1550, the entitlement may not be deleted from the embedded chip 1535.Using information comprised in the location-of-distribution identifier,the playout device 1550 preferably locates the content on the Internetor on a local network 1560, and requests the content.

Referring now to the first pane of FIG. 16, a server on the Internet oron a local network 1560 preferably receives the content and preferablyresponds to the request for content, preferably sending the content backto the playout device 1550. The playout device 1550 preferably presentsa query 1610 to the user 1510 for authorization to start playout of thecontent. It is appreciated that the playout device 1550 may present aquery 1610 for authorization to start playout of the content before theplayout device 1550 locates the content on the Internet or on a localnetwork 1560, and requests the content The enabled entitlement ispreferably activated in response to a positive response by the user tothe query 16 10. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the queryingstage may be omitted, and playout may preferably occur automatically. Itis appreciated that some embodiments of the playout device may beconfigurable to allow automatic playout, or may alternatively requiremanual confirmation by the user 1510 before beginning playout.

Referring now to the second pane of FIG. 16, the user 1510 preferablyactuates an actuator 1620 or otherwise provides input to the playoutdevice 1550, authorizing playout of the content The playout device 1550preferably then plays out the content 1630. Once the activatedentitlement stored in the embedded chip 1530 is transferred to theplayout device 1550, the entitlement is preferably no longer activated,and may no longer cause that content 1630 to play out. For example, andwithout limiting the generality of the foregoing, during the wirelesstransfer of the entitlement to the playout device 1550, the playoutdevice may signal to the entitlement that the entitlement is no longeractivated.

In alternative preferred embodiments, the entitlement could comprise anentitlement for any one episode of a content series; content usage overa period of time or until an expiration date; or a specific number ofplayouts (for example and without limiting the generality of theforegoing, any episode may play out three times). In preferredembodiments in which the entitlement comprises more than an entitlementto an individual piece of content for one time viewing, the entitlementmay preferably be preserved in the original embedded chip 1535, fromwhere the entitlement can be sent to another playout device in thefuture. The entitlement may preferably be altered to indicate what usagehas already occurred, and the entitlement may then be sent to otherplayout devices with reduced value,.or may be deleted from the originalembedded chip 1535. Usage management of the entitlement would now behandled in the playout device to which the entitlement was transferred.

Playing out of the content associated with the enabled entitlement asdescribed above may occur either passively or actively:

-   -   Passively, with the option for the user to confirm that playout        is desired. The user would preferably close a circuit thereby        activating the enabled entitlement, for example, and without        limiting the generality of the foregoing, by snapping a snap,        ordinarily needed to use a purchased item. For example, and        without limiting the generality of the foregoing, closing a snap        for a collar on a shirt would preferably close a circuit.    -   Actively, where nothing occurs until the user actively triggers        an event thereby activating the enabled entitlement. The user        preferably opens a circuit, for example, and without limiting        the generality of the foregoing, opening a container, by tearing        open a box lid thereby disconnecting the circuit; removing pins        from a packaged shirt, where one of the pins is part of the        circuit; or requiring the user to scratch off a metal coating.        An alternative preferred embodiment of active triggering of an        event preferably requires a user to close a circuit, for        example, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing,        by snapping a snap, needed to use the purchased item. For        example, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a        snap on a garment, needed to secure the garment closed may be        snapped closed when the user puts on the garment, thus actively        closing the circuit, enabling the entitlement. In an alternative        embodiment, the closing of the snap might not be ordinarily        needed and would provide the user with deliberate control over        activation of functionality.

Alternatively, and as shown in the example of the third pane of FIG. 15,actively bringing the purchased item comprising the entitlement veryclose to a sensor (not shown in FIGS. 15 and 16) would preferablyactivate the entitlement. Once the item has been brought very close tothe sensor and the entitlement activated, the item may preferably bebrought to the regular distance for wireless communication withinwhatever protocol is implemented, and cause the content associated withthe now activated entitlement to play out.

Alternatively, sensors may preferably be used to activate theentitlement. For example, and without limiting the generality of theforegoing, light sensors may sense light when a box containing theentitlement is opened, thereby activating the entitlement. Othernon-limiting examples would include temperature sensors which maypreferably sense that a box containing the entitlement is being held, orthat clothing comprising the sensor is being worn.

The playout device 1550 corresponds to the CDU 600 of the system ofFIGS. 1 and 2. The embedded chip 1530 and 1535 corresponds to the AIM ofthe system of FIGS. 1 and 2. The cereal box 1520, bearing the embeddedchip 1530 storing an entitlement corresponds to the mobile device 500,bearing the AIM. The playout device 1540 corresponds to the CDU 600 ofthe system of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show an example of a typical situation illustrative ofthe alternative preferred embodiment of the system of FIGS. 1 and 2. Itis appreciated that all of the situations illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16are examples only and are not meant to limit the generality of thepresent invention. In FIGS. 15 and 16, the playout device 1550 isdepicted as comprised in a household refrigerator. It is appreciatedthat the playout device may alternatively be comprised in otherappropriate household devices and appliances. The playout device mayalso be compromised in non-household devices and appliances. Forinstance, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing,purchasing souvenirs in a museum or at a sporting event may activate aplayout device.

It is appreciated that in the system of FIGS. 15 and 16 users mayaccumulate entitlements; trade entitlements between themselves; sellentitlements between themselves; and loan entitlements betweenthemselves.

In some preferred embodiments of the system of FIGS. 15 and 16, theentitlement is preferably linked to the user's personal domain, theuser's personal domain being defined as the user's home as well as otherareas and appliances specific to the user. For example, and withoutlimiting the generality of the foregoing, the user's personal domain mayinclude the user's office, the user's automobile, and the user's MP3player. Linking the entitlement to the user's personal domain isadvantageous for entitlements to content of a personal or intimatenature. For example, and without limiting the generality of theforegoing, a content item associated with an entitlement associated withunderwear is preferably viewable only in the privacy of one's owndomain.

The plurality of playout devices belonging to the user is preferablyconfigured by the user to share a common domain identification name ornumber and a common domain encryption key. When the entitlement istransferred to one of the plurality of playout devices belonging to theuser, the playout device preferably adds information to the entitlement,or encrypts the entitlement so that the entitlement may only be usedwithin the user's personal domain. For example, and without limiting thegenerality of the foregoing, only devices sharing the common domainencryption key may decrypt the encrypted entitlement.

In some preferred embodiments of the systems of FIGS. 15 and 16, inorder to prevent accidental playout of content items, the playout devicefor sale in a store is preferably not activated to play out contentitems. Upon purchase the playout device is preferably activated to playout content items. It is appreciated that the playout device for sale ina store may preferably be activated to play out content itemsassociated-with special demo entitlements.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the embedded chip 1530 maypreferably comprise an enhanced RFID. RFIDs, such as tags attached toclothing in order to protect against theft from stores, are inactivatedwhen the user 1510 pays for an object associated with an attached RFID.An RFID system comprises a reader (or interrogator), an associatedantenna and transponders that carry data. The reader transmits alow-power radio signal, through the antenna, that the tag receives viaits own antenna to power an integrated circuit. Using energy generatedwhen the signal enters the tag's radio field, the tag will briefly“converse” with the reader for verification and exchange of data Oncethe data is received by the reader the data can preferably be sent to acontrolling computer for processing and management.

Reference is now made to FIG. 17, which is a generalized flowchartillustration of a preferred method of operation of the system of FIGS.15 and 16. A chip storing an entitlement is preferably embedded in amanufactured article (step 1710). The entitlement stored in the chip mayor may not yet be enabled and/or activated as described above. Content1630 is associated with the entitlement (step 1720) stored in theembedded chip 1530. It is appreciated the steps 1710 and 1720 may beperformed in any order; the content may be associated with theentitlement either before or after the chip storing the entitlement isembedded in the article.

The entitlement is enabled and/or activated (step 1725). The term“authorize” (step 1725) used in FIG. 17 and the discussion thereofrefers to enabling and/or activating the entitlement. It is appreciatedthat the entitlement may be authorized either before or after either ofsteps 1710 or 1720. The enabled and/or activated entitlement istransferred to the playout device 1550 (step 1730).

The entitlement is preferably transferred using one of the followingtransfer mechanisms:

-   -   the entitlement is automatically downloaded to the playout        device using an appropriate secure wireless protocol when the        embedded chip is within communication proximity of the playout        device (step 1732);    -   the user, using the user interface of the playout device,        initiates the download of the entitlement to the playout device        using an appropriate secure wireless protocol (step 1734);    -   the entitlement is automatically downloaded to the playout        device using an appropriate secure wireless protocol when the        embedded chip is within communication proximity of the playout        device, but requires the user to authorize the download (step        1735); or    -   the user 1510 uses the user interface of the playout device to        manually initiate download to the playout device using an        appropriate secure wireless protocol (step 1738).

Once the authorized entitlement is transferred to the playout device1550, the entitlement in the manufactured article 1520 is disabledand/or deactivated (step 1740). The term “deauthorize” used in FIG. 17and in the discussion thereof refers to disenabling and/or deactivatingthe entitlement It is appreciated that in alternative preferredembodiments_such as those described above with respect to the secondpane of FIG. 16, that step 1740 might be deferred until a later, moreappropriate time. For example, and without limiting the generality ofthe foregoing, when the entitlement is for a series, which may be viewedon any suitable playout device, it would not be appropriate todeauthorize the entitlement until after the last part of the series istransmitted to the playout device. Such an entitlement would be updatedto indicate what episodes have been used. Alternatively, where theentitlement contains an expiration date, deauthorization need not occur,the entitlement will expire automatically once the expiration date haspassed.

The playout device reads the entitlement (step 1750) and requests thecontent from the location comprised in the entitlement (step 1760).

The content arrives at the playout device (1770). The playout devicethen plays out the content (step 1780).

It is appreciated that the entitlement may preferably comprise anon-specific entitlement For example, and without limiting thegenerality of the foregoing, the entitlement may entitle the user 1510to view one or more non-specific episodes of a cartoon series ratherthan just one particular cartoon.

It is appreciated that various features of the invention which are, forclarity, described in the contexts of separate embodiments may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment Conversely, variousfeatures of the invention which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in anysuitable subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited by what has been particularly shown anddescribed hereinabove. Rather the scope of the invention is defined onlyby the claims which follow:

1. An advertising control method comprising: receiving an advertisementidentification message (AIM) at a first mobile device; sending the AIMfrom the first mobile device to a content display unit (CDU) and storingthe AIM in the CDU; selecting at least one content item from among aplurality of content items based, at least in part, on at least onestored AIM, the stored AIM being stored in the CDU; and displaying theselected content item on the CDU.
 2. The method according to claim 1 andwherein the sending the AIM from the first mobile device to the CDUcomprises secure sending.
 3. The method according to claim 1 and whereinthe content item comprises an advertisement.
 4. The method according toclaim 1 and wherein the content item comprises at least one of thefollowing: music; a music video; an interactive game; and video content.5. The method according to claim 1 and also comprising: after thedisplaying, marking the at least one AIM stored on the CDU as used. 6.The method according to claim 1 and also comprising: after thedisplaying, deleting the at least one stored AIM from the CDU.
 7. Themethod according to claim 1 and also comprising: deleting the at leastone AIM from the first mobile device.
 8. The method according to claim 1and also comprising: registering the first mobile device on the CDU. 9.The method according to claim 1 and wherein: the selecting is alsobased, at least in part, on at least one AIM received at the CDU from asecond mobile device, the second mobile device not being registered onthe CDU.
 10. The method according to claim 1 and wherein: the selectingis performed without regard to at least one AIM associated with a secondmobile device, the second mobile device not being registered on the CDU.11. The method according to claim 8 and also comprising: sending atleast one AIM from the first mobile device registered on the CDU whenthe mobile device is in the proximity of the CDU.
 12. The methodaccording to claim 11 and wherein the sending the at least one AIM fromthe first mobile device registered on the CDU comprises secure sending.13. The method according to claim 1 and also comprising: querying a userof the mobile device to authorize sending at least one AIM from thefirst mobile device to the CDU; and performing the sending only uponreceipt of a positive answer to the querying.
 14. The method accordingto claim 13 and wherein the sending performed upon receipt of a positiveanswer to the querying comprises secure sending.
 15. The methodaccording to claim 1 and also comprising: registering the first mobiledevice on a plurality of CDUs.
 16. The method according to claim 8 andwherein the registering comprises using a public key authenticationscheme.
 17. The method according to claim 16 and also comprising:entering personal user information during the registering.
 18. Themethod according to claim 17 and also comprising: encrypting thepersonal user information.
 19. The method according to claim 1 and alsocomprising: after the receiving, performing a security check on the AIM.20. The method according to claim 19 and wherein: the security checkcomprises verifying a digital signature.
 21. The method according toclaim 8 and also comprising: unregistering the first mobile device onthe CDU.
 22. The method according to claim 15 and also comprising:unregistering the first mobile device on at least one of the pluralityof CDUs.
 23. The method according to claim 22 and wherein theunregistering comprises secure unregistering utilizing a public keyauthentication scheme.
 24. A content control method comprising:associating an entitlement with a content item identifier; embedding theentitlement in an article; sending the entitlement from the article to acontent display unit (CDU); and displaying a content item associatedwith the content item identifier on the CDU.
 25. The method according toclaim 24 and wherein the sending the entitlement from the articlecomprises secure sending.
 26. The method according to claim 25 andwherein the displaying comprises: locating the content item to bedisplayed based, at least in part, on location information comprised inthe content item identifier.
 27. The method according to claim 26 andwherein the locating comprises: locating the content item to bedisplayed via remote network access.
 28. The method according to claim27 and wherein the remote network access comprises World Wide Web (WWW)access.
 29. The method according to claim 24 and wherein the entitlementcomprises content item network location information for determining alocation of the content item on the remote network.
 30. The methodaccording to claim 24 and wherein the sending comprises: sending theentitlement to the CDU using a wireless communication protocol.
 31. Themethod according to claim 24 and wherein the sending comprises: sendingthe entitlement to the CDU using a wired communication protocol.
 32. Themethod according to claim 24 and wherein the sending comprises: sendingthe entitlement to the CDU upon receipt of an instruction from a user.33. The method according to claim 24 and wherein the sending comprises:querying the user to authorize transfer of the entitlement to the CDU;and sending the entitlement to the CDU only if the user authorizes thetransfer.
 34. The method according to claim 33 and wherein the sendingfrom the article also comprises: verifying that the CDU is able todisplay the content item associated with the entitlement; and performingthe sending only upon receipt of a positive answer to the verifying. 35.The method according to claim 24 and wherein the sending comprises:verifying that the CDU is able to display the content item associatedwith the entitlement; based on result of the verifying, querying theuser to authorize transfer of the entitlement to the CDU; and performingthe sending only upon receipt of a positive answer to the querying. 36.The method according to claim 34 and wherein the verifying comprises thearticle polling the CDU.
 37. The method according to claim 34 andwherein the verifying comprises the CDU polling the article.
 38. Themethod according to claim 24 and wherein the entitlement comprises adisabled entitlement.
 39. The method according to claim 38 and alsocomprising: sending an enabling message to the article, thereby enablingthe disabled entitlement.
 40. The method according to claim 39 andwherein the sending an enabling message to the article comprises securesending.
 41. The method according to claim 40 and wherein the sending anenabling message is performed after an enabling action is performed. 42.The method according to claim 41 and wherein the enabling actioncomprises sending a securely signed message.
 43. The method according toclaim 42 and wherein the message is sent using a wireless communicationprotocol.
 44. The method according to claim 42 and wherein the messageis sent using a wired communication protocol.
 45. The method accordingto of claim 38 and wherein the entitlement comprises an inactiveentitlement.
 46. The method according to claim 45 and also comprising:activating the inactive entitlement.
 47. The method according to claim46 and wherein the activating comprises actuating and/or de-actuating anactuator.
 48. The method according to claim 46 and wherein theactivating comprises opening a container.
 49. The method according toclaim 46 and wherein the activating is triggered by heating a heatsensor.
 50. The method according to claim 49 and wherein the heatingcomprises heating the heat sensor with body heat.
 51. The methodaccording to claim 46 and also comprising: de-activating theentitlement.
 52. The method according to claim 24 and also comprising:disabling the entitlement after the sending to the CDU.
 53. The methodaccording to claim 24 and also comprising: not disabling the entitlementafter the sending to the CDU.
 54. The method according to claim 53 andalso comprising: altering the entitlement after the sending to the CDU.55. The method according to claim 54 and wherein the entitlementcomprises an entitlement value, and the altering comprises reducing theentitlement value.
 56. The method according to claim 24 and wherein: thecontent item comprises a series of content items; and the entitlementcomprises an entitlement to at least one member of the series of contentitems.
 57. The method according to claim 24 and wherein the displayingcomprises: displaying the content on the CDU exactly once.
 58. Themethod according to claim 57 and wherein: the CDU comprises a pluralityof CDUs and the displaying comprises displaying the content on one ofthe plurality of CDUs exactly once.
 59. The method according to claim 24and also comprising: displaying the content on the CDU only during adisplay time period.
 60. The method according to claim 24 and alsocomprising: associating the displaying of the content on the CDU with apersonal domain.
 61. The method according to claim 24 and wherein theCDU comprises at least one of the following: a domain identificationname; a domain identification number; and a domain key.
 62. The methodaccording to claim 60 and also comprising: associating the entitlementwith the personal domain at the time of the sending.
 63. The methodaccording to claim 24 and also comprising: aggregating of entitlementsby a first user.
 64. The method according to claim 63 and alsocomprising: trading of entitlements between the first user and a seconduser.
 65. The method according to claim 63 and also comprising: sellingentitlements from the first user to the second user.
 66. The methodaccording to claim 63 and also comprising: loaning entitlements by thefirst user to the second user.
 67. An object comprising: an entitlementstore storing an entitlement associated with a content item; and acommunication unit operative to receive the entitlement from theentitlement store and send the entitlement to a display unit.
 68. Theobject according to claim 67 and wherein the communication unit isoperative to securely send the entitlement to the display unit.
 69. Theobject according to claim 67 and wherein the display unit is external tothe object.
 70. The object according to claim 67 and also comprising: acontent display unit (CDU) operative to receive the entitlement, the CDUcomprising the display unit.
 71. The object according to of claim 67 andalso comprising: an entitlement enablement receiving unit.
 72. Anadvertisement identification message (AIM) distribution terminalcomprising: an AIM receiver operative to receive at least one AIM froman AIM distributing authority; an AIM storage unit for storing the atleast one received AIM; and an AIM dispenser operative to dispense theat least one AIM to a mobile device operative to receive AIMs.
 73. Amobile device comprising: an advertisement identification message (AIM)receiver for receiving at least one AIM from an AIM source external tothe mobile device; an AIM storage unit for storing the at least onereceived AIM; and an AIM sender for sending the at least one stored AIMto a content display unit (CDU) external to the mobile device.
 74. Themobile device according to claim 73 and wherein the AIM sender isoperative to securely send the at least one stored AIM to the CDU. 75.The mobile device according to claim 73 and wherein the at least one AIMcomprises a plurality of AIMs.
 76. The mobile device according to claim73 and wherein the AIM source external to the mobile device comprises aplurality of AIM sources external to the mobile device.
 77. A contentdisplay unit (CDU) comprising: an advertisement identification message(AIM) receiver for receiving at least one AIM from a mobile device; anAIM storage unit for storing the at least one received AIM; a contentitem selector for selecting at least one content item from among aplurality of content items based, at least in part, on at least one AIMstored in the AIM storage unit; and a display for displaying theselected content item.
 78. The CDU according to claim 77 and whereby theplurality of content items is delivered to the CDU in a plurality ofdata streams comprising content items.
 79. The CDU according to claim 77and whereby the plurality of content items is stored on storage mediacomprised in the CDU.
 80. The CDU according to claim 77 and wherein theCDU chooses content items for display based, at least in part, onreceived metadata.
 81. The CDU according to claim 77 and wherein the CDUperiodically sends an AIM usage report to an AIM distributing authority.82. The CDU according to claim 81 and wherein the AIM usage reportcomprises at least one of the following: at least one AIM received bythe CDU; and at least one advertisement point used by the CDU.
 83. TheCDU according to claim 77 and wherein the CDU periodically reportscontent item usage to the AIM distributing authority.
 84. The CDUaccording to claim 77 and wherein the CDU is activated at the time ofpurchase.
 85. A content item selection method comprising: accumulatingcontent item display points for each of a plurality of display pointcategories; and choosing a content item for display based, at least inpart, on a comparison between a point total for one of the display pointcategories and a category associated with the content item.
 86. Themethod according to claim 85 and wherein the accumulating comprises:receiving at least one advertisement identification message (AIM)comprising content item display points associated with a display pointcategory; and storing the content item display points comprised in theAIM in accordance with the display point category.
 87. The methodaccording to claim 86 and wherein the receiving comprises:distinguishing between AIMs received from a sender who is registered andAIMs received from a sender who is not registered.
 88. The methodaccording to claim 87 and wherein the receiving also comprises: ignoringthe AIMs received from the sender who is not registered.
 89. A contentidentification message comprising: a quantity of points redeemable forcontent; and metadata comprising: a content category identifieridentifying a category to which the content belongs; and at least one ofthe following: a distributing entity identifier identifying an entitywhich distributed the content identification message; a time stampidentifying a time when the content identification message wasdistributed; a basis for distribution identifier identifying a basis fordistributing the content identification message; and alocation-of-distribution identifier identifying the location of theentity which distributed the content identification message.
 90. Thecontent identification message according to claim 89 and wherein thecontent comprises an advertisement.
 91. The content identificationmessage according to claim 89 and wherein the content comprises at leastone of the following: music; a music video; an interactive game; andvideo content.
 92. An advertising control system comprising: anadvertisement identification message (AIM) receiver comprised in a firstmobile device, the AIM receiver receiving an AIM; an AIM sendercomprised in the first mobile device, the AIM sender sending the AIM toa content display unit (CDU); an AIM storage unit comprised in the CDU,the AIM storage unit being operative to store the AIM received from thefirst mobile device; a content item selector comprised in the CDU, thecontent item selector being operative to select at least one contentitem from among a plurality of content items based, at least in part, onat least one stored AIM, the stored AIM being stored in the CDU; and adisplay comprised in the CDU, the display being operative to display theselected content item.
 93. Apparatus for content control comprising: anentitlement associating unit associating an entitlement with a contentitem identifier; an entitlement embedding unit embedding the entitlementin an article; an entitlement sender sending the entitlement from thearticle to a content display unit (CDU); and a display operative todisplay the content item associated with the content item identifier onthe CDU.
 94. A content distribution method comprising: storing anentitlement associated with a content item in an entitlement store;receiving the entitlement from the entitlement store at a communicationunit; and sending the entitlement from the communication unit to adisplay unit.
 95. An advertisement identification message (AIM)distribution method comprising: receiving at least one AIM from an AIMdistributing authority; storing the at least one received AIM; anddispensing the at least one AIM to a mobile device operative to receiveAIMs.
 96. An advertisement identification message (AIM) distributionmethod comprising: receiving at least one AIM from an AIM sourceexternal to a mobile device; storing the at least one received AIM; andsending the at least one stored AIM to a content display unit (CDU)external to the mobile device.
 97. A content display method comprising:receiving at least one advertisement identification message (AIM) from amobile device; storing the at least one received AIM; selecting at leastone content item from among a plurality of content items based, at leastin part, on at least one stored AIM; and displaying the selected contentitem.
 98. Apparatus for content item selection comprising: a store foraccumulating content item display points for each of a plurality ofdisplay point categories; and a content item selection unit operative tochoose a content item for display based, at least in part, on acomparison between a point total for one of the display point categoriesand a category associated with the content item.
 99. The methodaccording to claim 9 and also comprising: sending at least one AIM fromthe first mobile device registered on the CDU when the mobile devide isin the proximity of the CDU.
 100. The method according to claim 99 andwherein the sending the at least one AIM from the first mobile deviceregistered on the CDU comprises secure sending.
 101. The methodaccording to claim 21 and wherein the unregistering comprises secureunregistering utilizing a public key authentication scheme.
 102. Themethod according to claim 35 and wherein the verifying comprises thearticle polling the CDU.
 103. The method according to claim 35 andwherein the verifying comprises the CDU polling the article.
 104. Themethod according to claim 61 and also comprising: associating thedisplaying of the content on the CDU with a personal domain, andassociating the entitlement with the personal domain at the time of thesending.
 105. An object comprising: entitlement storage means forstoring an entitlement associated with a content item; and entitlementreceiving means for receiving the entitlement from the entitlement storeand send the entitlement to a display unit.
 106. An advertisementidentification message (AIM) distribution terminal comprising: AIMreceiving means for receiving at least one AIM from an AIM distributingauthority; AIM storage means for storing the at least one received AIM;and AIM dispensing means for dispensing the at least one AIM to a mobiledevice operative to receive AIMs.
 107. A mobile device comprising:advertisement identification message (AIM) receiving means for receivingat least one AIM from an AIM source external to the mobile device; AIMstorage means for storing the at least one received AIM; and AIM sendingmeans for sending the at least one stored AIM to a content display unit(CDU) external to the mobile device.
 108. A content display unitcomprising: advertisement identification message (AIM) receiving meansfor receiving at least one AIM from a mobile device; AIM storage meansfor storing the at least one received AIM; content item selection meansfor selecting at least one content item from among a plurality ofcontent items based, at least in part, on at least one AIM stored in theAIM storage unit; and content displaying means for displaying theselected content item.
 109. A content identification message comprising:a quantity of points redeemable for content; and metadata comprising:means for identifying a category to which the content belongs; and atleast one of the following: means for identifying the entity whichdistributed the content identification message; means for identifyingthe time when the content identification message was distributed; meansfor identifying the basis for distributing the content identificationmessage; and means for identifying the location of the entity whichdistributed the content identification message.
 110. An advertisingcontrol system comprising: advertisement identification message (AIM)receiving means comprised in a first mobile device; AIM sending meanscomprised in the first mobile device, the AIM sending means sending theAIM to a content display unit (CDU); AIM storage means comprised in theCDU, for storing the AIM received from the first mobile device; contentitem selection means comprised in the CDU, for selecting at least onecontent item from among a plurality of content items based, at least inpart, on at least one stored AIM, the stored AIM being stored in the AIMstorage means; and content displaying means comprised in the CDU, fordisplaying the selected content item.
 111. Apparatus for content controlcomprising: entitlement associating means for associating entitlementmeans with a content item identifier; entitlement embedding means forembedding entitlement means in an article; entitlement sending means forsending entitlement means from the article to a content displayingmeans; and displaying means for displaying the content item associatedwith the content item identifier on the content displaying means. 112.Apparatus for content item selection comprising: accumulation means foraccumulating content item display points for each of a plurality ofdisplay point categories; and content item selection means for choosinga content item for display based, at least in part, on a comparisonbetween a point total for one of the display point categories and acategory associated with the content item.